The "Crisis" has a problem... and from the symptoms, I think I need to clean the throttle body and MAF sensor. Found procedures here:
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...e=article&k=64

Any other tips and tricks on this?

Symptoms: Rough Idle - was slight and intermittant, first appeared about 5k miles ago. Had filled up at a different gas station...thought it may be the gas...filled up at regular station and was fine for about 2k miles. Started up again about the time for an oil change, had the PVC and fuel filter changed. Roughness went away. Started up again after 2500 miles... was slight roughness and intermittant. That was 1500 miles ago... now the rough idle is very pronounced...no code yet.... no stalling yet but I sense that will be soon.

Checked the vacuum lines...but I don't know where they all are. Will check the Air Filter tomorrow.... but searching on the forum I found the above link. Seems like something that should be done. 59k miles on her..doubtful the TB or MAF have been cleaned.

Any other ideas, tips, or tricks?

i would say, o2, plugs, clean MAF, air filter, clogged injectors, and maybe a possible vacuum leak.

Update: Coolant has been disappearing –over the course of 3k miles it will drop to the bottom of the overflow tank instead of being at the cold line (when cold). I first noticed this in Feb. Topped it off in Feb, then in April (3k miles), and now again in June (another 3k miles).

While checking for vacuum leaks due to the intermittent stuttering idle, I noticed a puddle at the base of the front passenger side of the manifold. BTW – my manifold cover has a date of ’01 stamped on it. My car is an ’00.

Can’t see the leak here… but it’* located on the left (passenger) side just below the spark plug wires.



At the base of the manifold cover, there’* coolant collecting in the valleys where the bolts are.



This is a pic farther to the right (towards driver side) …although not currently wet, you can see signs of contamination… the far right side is dry/clean.



Inspection of the oil cap shows no signs of contamination….yet

Technical Ted stopped by today and check the coils - cleaned and dielectrical greased them; replaced the air filter (wasn't too dirty...but changed anyhow since it was apart.) Started up the car...ran for about a minute or so... something made a funny noise (like a fan stopped or something)...then the chuggling (rough idle) began. Reved up the RPM'* to 1500...chuggle still present. Don't notice it when driving, however backing into garage it could be felt.

Message left for Dr. Boosty... I wonder if he makes house calls? I wonder if I can make it out 400 miles to Bonnevilla?

EDIT: Here'* how I know it'* coolant...actually looks like some oil too. Stuffed a Bounty papertowel in there to soak up the puddle...oil with definite orange (Dexcool).

Damn, that sucks. I hope you get her fixed up real soon........BOOSTY get your tools and go for a lil cruise buddy! A sick bonnie awaits you!!!!!!

Whats the plan * COUNTRY .

Does the oil on your dipstick look clean? Make sure it'* not getting inside the engine. You can try wiping the dipstick off on a white paper towel and you could see the Dex that way (just like you did to soak up the pools on the LIM).

Checked the dipstick as suggested - no sign of the Dex.

As far as the gameplan:
Continue nosing around for a vacuum leak and research on the Internet to learn more about them. Check with Dr. Boosty to see if I can make an appt to have the gaskets changed, limit driving to bare necessity only, continue to monitor the suspicious area for coolant leak and checking the oil for signs of contamination, make arrangements at work to alter my hours so I can ride in with another employee, and pray that it doesn't blow in the meantime.

May just be the UIM gasket that needs replacement, Tracy. It'* good though, that you see a coolant leak external to the engine. It'* the internal coolant leak that can be detrimental. Should probably pull the upper manifold for close inspection of egr stove pipe area, and do the LIM gaskets at the same time.

Yeah, might as well get all the gaskets while you're in there. Mine haven't gone out yet, but it scares me that you only have 58k on the clock, and mine has 63k. Glad to see nothing in the dipstick and the filler tube. That would be really bad news.

Just buy some new HP gaskets and replace them using additional siicone RTV.

You have been warned, by your Bonne.

If it pukes into your crankcase it won't be pretty. :(